Japanese Business Glossary

転貸 (tentai) refers to subleasing or subletting in Japan. This term is used when a tenant who is renting a property from a landlord rents out the same property, or a part of it, to another party. The original tenant becomes the sublessor, and the new tenant becomes the sublessee.

In a typical lease agreement, the tenant agrees to certain terms and conditions set by the landlord. If the tenant wishes to sublease the property, they generally need to obtain the landlord's permission, as most lease agreements include clauses that restrict or regulate subleasing. Without the landlord's consent, subleasing can be considered a breach of contract, which may result in legal consequences or termination of the lease.

Subleasing can be beneficial in various situations. For example, if the original tenant needs to move out temporarily or permanently but does not want to break the lease, subleasing can provide a way to cover the rent and maintain the lease agreement. The sublessee pays rent to the sublessor, who remains responsible for fulfilling the original lease terms with the landlord.

In summary, 転貸 (Tentai) is the practice of subleasing, where a tenant rents out a property they are leasing to another party. It typically requires the landlord's permission and involves a separate agreement between the original tenant and the sublessee.

貸与 (taiyo) refers to the act of lending or providing something on loan in Japan. This term is commonly used in both business and personal contexts to describe the temporary provision of goods, assets, or resources to another party under agreed terms and conditions.

In a business context, taiyo can involve various scenarios, such as a company lending equipment, tools, or vehicles to its employees or another business. For example, a company might provide laptops to its employees for work purposes, or a construction firm might lend machinery to a subcontractor for a specific project. The terms of lending, including the duration, responsibilities, and conditions for returning the lent items, are usually specified in a contract or agreement.

In personal contexts, taiyo might refer to lending items like books, money, or personal belongings to friends or family members. The same principles apply: the lender expects the item to be returned in its original condition after a certain period or upon fulfillment of agreed conditions.

taiyo differs from renting or leasing in that it usually does not involve regular payments or fees for the use of the item. Instead, it focuses on the temporary transfer of possession with the expectation of return.

In summary, taiyo is the act of lending or providing something on loan, commonly used in both business and personal contexts to describe the temporary provision of goods, assets, or resources under agreed terms and conditions, with the expectation that the lent items will be returned.

玉串料 (tamagushiryo) refers to a monetary offering made at Shinto shrines in Japan. It is a donation given by worshippers during religious ceremonies or visits to the shrine, typically presented as part of a ritual to show respect and gratitude to the deities.

The term tamagushi refers to a sacred offering made of a branch of the sakaki tree, decorated with strips of paper or cloth. In modern practice, instead of offering the physical tamagushi, worshippers often make a monetary donation called tamagushiryo.

This offering is commonly made during various Shinto ceremonies such as weddings, blessings, and other religious events. The amount of the donation can vary depending on the occasion and the financial situation of the worshipper. The act of giving tamagushiryo is considered a gesture of faith and reverence, helping to support the upkeep and activities of the shrine.

In summary, tamagushiryo is a monetary offering made at Shinto shrines as part of religious practices, symbolizing respect and gratitude to the deities and supporting the shrine's functions.

当該 (togai) is a Japanese term used to refer to a specific subject, object, or matter being discussed or indicated. It translates to "the relevant" or "the concerned" in English and is often used in formal writing, legal documents, and official contexts to specify the particular item or issue in question.

For example, in legal texts, togai might be used to refer to "the relevant law" or "the concerned party." In business documents, it could refer to "the relevant department" or "the concerned contract."

In summary, togai is a term used to denote the specific subject, object, or matter that is relevant to the context of the discussion or document.

諮問機関 (shimon kikan) refers to an advisory body or consultative committee in Japan. This type of organization is established to provide expert advice, recommendations, and guidance to governmental bodies, institutions, or organizations on various issues and policies.

Advisory bodies typically consist of experts, scholars, industry professionals, and other stakeholders who possess specialized knowledge and experience in the relevant field. They are convened to review and analyze specific topics, conduct research, and offer informed opinions to aid in decision-making processes.

The role of an advisory body can vary depending on its mandate, but it generally includes tasks such as evaluating policies, proposing new initiatives, assessing the impact of existing regulations, and providing strategic insights. These bodies do not have decision-making power but influence the decisions made by the governing entities they advise.

In summary, shimon kikan is an advisory body in Japan that provides expert advice and recommendations to help inform decision-making processes within governmental and organizational contexts.

交換 (kokan) refers to the act of exchanging or trading something in Japan. This term is used in various contexts to describe the mutual giving and receiving of items, services, or information between parties.

In a business context, kokan can refer to the exchange of goods or services between companies or individuals. For example, companies might exchange products or services as part of a barter agreement, where no money changes hands but the value of the exchanged items is considered equivalent.

In a social context, kokan might involve the exchange of gifts or personal items. For example, friends might exchange presents during holidays or special occasions.

In an academic or informational context, kokan can refer to the exchange of knowledge or data. This might involve researchers sharing findings, students exchanging notes, or professionals sharing expertise.

The concept of kokan emphasizes reciprocity and mutual benefit, with both parties involved in the exchange receiving something of value.

In summary, kokan is the act of exchanging or trading items, services, or information in various contexts, emphasizing reciprocity and mutual benefit.